I have just bought a UMAX Astra 2200 USB scanner, but can't get it to work.

I have an iMac DV - original, running MacOS 9.1, with 192MB RAM.

I have tried several versions of the vista scan software, including version 3.7.3, and Magic Scan 4.5 but have had no joy.

The Magic Scan software can't find the scanner, and the Vista Scan software, just makes my computer crash. I have tried removing the control-strip plug-in, but still no. This time it crashes after running Vista Scan, rather than at startup.

I have also tried the scanner in different USB ports, but that didn't help either.

I would be very grateful if someone could tell me how to get my scanner working, as it is starting to frustrate me now.

Thanks

Adam

When you power up your mac does the scanner lamp come on. Does the scanner calibrate (ie do you hear the noise of the motor?) If not it might be 'dead'.

Check all your power cord connections just to be sure that everything is connected ok.

Trash both MagicScan and Vista Scan (and their prefs and all the junk that get's installed with it). Reinstall the latest version of VistaScan through a Custom install, installing eveything bit by bit. The easy install is big and is known to install with problems. Preferably install with extensions off.

The latest version of the Vistascan control strip module doesn't crash your Mac now and should play fair.

Restart your Mac, open VistaScan and try again. If you have enough memory, up the amount assigned to VistaScan.

For your info I have the Umax MX3 which is identical (internally) to your scanner.

Good luck.

A good place for help is:
http://support.umax.co.uk/

The Umax UK help page is way better than the Umax US help page.

I have tried Vista Scan, and Magic Scan, neither work. Now all I get told is to get the updated version of the drivers, as the scanner 'times out'. I have version 3.7.3 of Vista Scan though, so I can't get a more up to date version.

I have also e-mailed UMAX UK tech support twice now, but get no reply. I can't afford to ring though, as it is a premium rate number, and I only have a mobile. Being a poor student and all!

Cheers.

Adam

I had a similar problem when I set up my dad's computer over Christmas... I found that the scanner Umax 3400) didn't like virtual memory (it was either VM or RamDoubler... the scanner didn't like one, the printer didn't like the other). Try turning off any virtual memory you might have on. Hope this helps!

Cheers!
Chris

Unfortunatly, I have tried with and without virtual memory, and still no joy.

Adam